Thousands enjoyed another spectacular fireworks display by Alonzo Fireworks at the Albany Empire Plaza tonight with weather holding out at the event to commemorate our independence and freedoms. The event is the biggest display in the Capital Region, and the company putting it on said that this one would be one of the biggest done at the Plaza. Albany citizens witnessed the 10,000 shells that lit up the sky from 9:15 to 9:45pm. with a huge finale that sent up several rockets, whistlers, and explosions.

America today celebrated its independence and freedoms from Great Britain and the Declaration of Independence adopted on July 4, 1776. The Fourth of July celebration commemorates our appreciation for those who fought for our rights to those liberties and freedoms to have a nation under God with a Constitutional government.

Today America is 238 years old. In 1777, thirteen gunshots were fired in salute, once at morning and once again as evening fell, on July 4 in Bristol, Rhode Island. In 1781 the Massachusetts General Court became the first state legislature to recognize July 4 as a state celebration. In 1791 the first recorded use of the name "Independence Day" occurred.

Freedoms are God-given rights and we give honor to the Lord God for his provisions. Not every nation enjoys the same rights that America has fought to have and to preserve. One nation under God not only means that we are all preserved under the watchful eye of the Almighty, but that we understand our boundaries and freedoms given by God.

Resources:

Heintze, "The First Celebrations".

Heintze, "A Chronology of Notable Fourth of July Celebration Occurrences".

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Jim Duke has taught biblical doctrine at the Bible Institute of Albany, NY. He also served as church elder for several years and studies biblical doctrine and examines social issues. His cable television show ran over 10 years providing information, insight, and encouragement and featuring topics from a Christian perspective. Send Jim a message. Tweet Jim